Iran Strikes Back LIVE: Iran Launches Kheibar Shekan Ballistic Missiles Toward Israel | WION Live

WION
WIONMar 18, 2026

Why It Matters

The deployment signals Iran’s growing missile capability and willingness to directly threaten U.S. assets, prompting allies to reconsider regional defense postures.

Key Takeaways

  • Iran used Kheibar Shekan solid-fuel missiles in 45th wave
  • Missiles paired with combat drones targeting Israeli, U.S. facilities
  • Kheibar Shekan offers quicker launch and improved accuracy
  • Escalation risks widening Israel‑Iran proxy conflict
  • Allies may reassess regional missile defense deployments

Pulse Analysis

Iran’s missile arsenal has evolved from crude, liquid‑fuel rockets to more sophisticated solid‑fuel systems like the Kheibar Shekan. Developed in the early 2020s, this missile family can be stored ready‑to‑fire, reducing launch preparation time and enhancing survivability against pre‑emptive strikes. Its reported range of 300‑500 kilometers and improved guidance make it a credible threat to nearby adversaries, marking a qualitative leap in Tehran’s short‑range strike capability.

The recent launch targets Israeli and U.S. installations, raising immediate concerns for missile defense planners in the region. Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems, designed primarily for short‑range rockets, may need integration with higher‑altitude interceptors to counter solid‑fuel ballistic trajectories. Meanwhile, the United States, which maintains bases across the Middle East, could accelerate deployment of Patriot or THAAD batteries to safeguard critical assets. The convergence of missiles and combat drones also reflects a hybrid warfare approach, complicating detection and response strategies for both nations.

Beyond the tactical realm, the strike underscores a broader geopolitical shift. Tehran’s willingness to publicly announce missile use signals a strategic messaging campaign aimed at deterrence and domestic legitimacy. Regional actors, from Saudi Arabia to the Gulf states, are likely to reassess their security calculations, potentially spurring a new round of arms acquisitions or diplomatic overtures. As the Middle East navigates this heightened volatility, the international community will watch closely for any escalation that could draw major powers into a deeper confrontation.

Original Description

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an elite unit of the country’s armed forces, said that Kheibar Shekan solid-fuel ballistic missiles were used during the 45th wave of attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases in the region.
In a statement, the IRGC said that during the 45th phase of Operation True Promise-4, a large number of Kheibar Shekan solid-fuel guided ballistic missiles, along with combat drones, were launched at what it described as enemy facilities.
#iranwar #israel #IRGC #kheibarshekan #wion
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